First quoted by Frederick II, king of Prussia when referring to one of his Italian greyhounds, Dog has been Mans best friend for the better part of 40 000 years. Despite this revered relationship, dogs fall victim to much violence and abuse (specifically the pit bull), with North American animal abuse statistics recorded in 2007 as:

64.5% (1,212) involved dogs

18% (337) involved cats

25% (470) involved other animals

Animal Abuse
Animal abuse refers to a wide range of behaviors that may be harmful to animals which may include physical abuse, neglect, knowingly depriving an animal of food and water, shelter or veterinary care if in need. Abuse may also encompass maiming, mutilating, maliciously torturing or purposefully killing an animal.

Why be concerned...
We all know and realize that it is wrong to inflict harm or suffering on a living creature. The intentional pattern of cruelty may indicate an underlying psychological distress and and is often associated with domestic violence, as well as other forms of violence. Up to 30% of children who have witnessed domestic violence will act out similar forms of violence on their pets.

Much of the abusive behavior directed against animals is done so by the youth, through out the ages of childhood and adolescence. Addressing cruelty to animals as a significant form of aggressive and antisocial behavior may add one more piece to the puzzle of understanding and preventing youth violence. Some of the developmental motivations behind animal cruelty may include:

Curiosity or exploration

Peer pressure

Mood enhancement

Sexual gratification

Forced abuse (by a more powerful individual)

Identification with a known abuser

Post traumatic play/ stress

Imitative behavior

Self injury

Vehicle for emotional abuse

To control an animal

Retaliation against an animal

Expressing aggression through an animal

Enhancement of ones own aggression

Shocking people for amusement

Retaliation against other people

(This is not to imply that every person who has at some point fit the definition of animal abuser will turn out to be a homicidal maniac at some point in their lives...).

- US Department of Justice. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.